New York begins slow recovery after superstorm Sandy hits

Associated Press

NEW YORK — The massive storm that started out as Hurricane Sandy slammed into the East Coast and morphed into a huge and problematic system, killing at least 74 people in the United States.

Power outages now stand at more than 5.6 million homes and businesses, down from a peak of 8.5 million.

Traffic choked city streets as residents tried to return to work in a New York City whose subway system remained crippled. Schools closed all week.

Two of three major airports in metropolitan area re-opened with limited flights.

Limited commuter rail service resumed and limited subway service is resuming Thursday.

Utilities say it could be days before power is fully restored in the city and on Long Island.

Deaths: 30, including 22 in New York City.

Power outages: 1.9 million, down from 2.2 million.

Deaths, power outages, evacutions and school closures occured in over 19 states as result of the damage done by the storm.